FAQs
What is a Doula?
A Doula is a trained professional experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, birth and early postpartum. Doulas take time to get to know their clients so that they can provide unique, custom- tailored support.
What is a Doula NOT?
A doula is not a medical professional. They do not give medical advice. They can provide public medical information and will help you to make informed choices for your family. Doulas do not make decisions for their clients; instead, they help you understand ALL of your options so that YOU can make the decision for yourself with all of the evidence, research, and information.
What are the benefits of Doula support?
Aside from amazing emotional and physical benefits of having a Doula like the care, nurturing, compassion, comfort measures, and soothing techniques, medical evidence has demonstrated the following (resource: “Evidence Based Birth”):
• 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
• 28% decrease in the risk of C-section
• 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
• 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
• 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with your birth experience
What is the difference between a Doula and a Midwife?
A Doula is a non-medical support person who helps you emotionally, physically, and who keeps you informed and empowered. To give practical examples, a Doula would be at your birth helping you breath, using massage techniques for any pain or discomfort, helping with movement or position changes to progress labour, and keeping your partner/support person hydrated. A Midwife is a medical professional whose primary focus is the health and safety of you and your baby. A midwife’s priority is to ensure the baby’s vital signs are stable, assess you and the baby, complete cervical exams when needed, administer medications if applicable, and catch the baby you are birthing. A Doula and a Midwife go together like peanut butter & jelly, Batman & Robin, and Shrek & Donkey (you get my point!).
What settings do you Doulas work in for Birthing?
Doulas are used in all birth settings - hospitals, birthing centers, or at home (with a Midwife present).
When should I hire a Doula?
Ideally, the sooner the better! If you are a planner, you might have a Doula from the moment you find out you are pregnant. This allows more time for you to gain trust in the relationship and to receive more unconditional support, helping you navigate the emotional and mental ups and downs that pregnancy can bring. Typically, the beginning of your third trimester is a good time to have selected your Doula. That being said, many Doulas are booked well in advance, so find someone you connect with and then secure they can be with you at your birth.
I have a partner, so why do I need a Doula?
A Doula isn’t there to replace your partner/support person. The role of Doula is to amplify support for everyone involved. A Doula can enhance the birth experience by providing a calm presence and allow everyone to participate at their own level of comfort. Birthing can be an emotional and stressful time for all. Doulas help to ensure your partner can focus on loving and supporting you, and the Doula takes care of everything else. Often, many find that their partner is more involved in the process when they have a Doula there to guide them on how best to provide support.
How do I find the right Doula for me?
You deserve the best! Each Doula is unique, so here are 3 easy ways to help you choose one:
• Trust your gut! You will know if the Doula’s personality and energy are a good fit for you and your partner. It’s like a ‘vibe’ between you - your intuition will help you decide.
• Determine what you are looking for, and then find the Doula that can unconditionally support you. Determine your wish list for your birthing wants and needs, and then find the Doula who can ensure your birth-vision success.
• Don’t over think it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by outside noise. When the connection feels right, go for it! Move forward and add this valuable person to your birth TEAM!
When will you arrive to support my labour?
We will discuss this and plan out timing during our initial prenatal appointment. This way, I can be there when YOU want and need me. This might mean waiting until contractions are 4-5 minutes apart and meeting you at your birthing location, or it might mean coming to your home sooner to ease your emotional state. Regardless, I will support you when you need me!
What if I plan to use an epidural or medications?
Your Doula is there to provide support fully and in a non-judgmental way that helps you feel confident and at ease in these decisions. Even with the use of these interventions, a Doula is beneficial in the birthing experience.
What happens if I require a C-Section?
If I am allowed to be present, I will be if you want me there. I will continue to support your partner/support person, keep you informed of what is happening, and be there to support you once surgery is complete.
I have a doctor and nurses, so do I still need a Doula?
YES! A Doula is not a replacement for the medical care team. They are a positive and impactful addition! The conventional medical system is a busy one! Doulas are there to help with the support and comfort needed that the medical team might not have time for. Doctors and nurses are there to focus on the safety of you and your baby. Doulas are there for the care and comfort of you and your baby. Doctors/Nurses and Doulas go together like bread & butter, hugs & kisses, salt & pepper (you get my point!).
This isn’t my first rodeo, so why would I need a Doula for my second/multiple pregnancy?
Every birth process is unique, and having a Doula to guide you allows you to go through this journey with more ease. Different scenarios may arise, and you may feel different sensations. No two births are alike! Everyone needs support, comfort, and compassion, whether it’s your first birth or your fourth.
What areas do you serve?
Currently I am serving Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Tri-Cities (Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody), Langley, Surrey, Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster.
